Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Checking your blood pressure regularly helps find problems early so they can be treated.
You can check your blood pressure in a few ways.
- At the GP surgery - You may be asked to attend for a routine blood pressure check.
- At a pharmacy - Many local pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 and over.
- At home - Some patients are asked to check their blood pressure at home using a home monitor.
- In our waiting room - use the self-service BP machine in our waiting room
Your doctor or nurse may ask you to record your blood pressure at home for a few days.
Home readings often give a better picture than a single reading taken at the surgery.
If you are asked to do this, please follow the instructions given and send us your readings as advised.
Please contact us if:
-
you have been asked to send in blood pressure readings
-
your home readings are high
-
you are worried about your blood pressure
You can contact us by telephone or by submitting an online consultation.
Understanding your blood pressure reading
Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 120/80. The first number is the pressure when your heart pumps. The second number is the pressure when your heart rests.
Normal
Below 140/90 at the surgery
Below 135/85 at home
Your blood pressure is usually within the normal range.
High
140/90 or higher at the surgery
135/85 or higher at home
Your blood pressure may be high. Please contact the practice for advice.
Very high
180/120 or higher
If your reading is this high and you feel unwell, seek urgent medical advice.
*These readings are a general guide. Your clinician may give you a different target based on your health.